ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani opposition lawmaker on Tuesday tabled three constitutional bills in the National Assembly, seeking a ban on dual citizenship for judges, proposing a nine-member bench for public interest cases and abolishing the Supreme Court’s authority to initiate legal proceedings on its own through suo motu powers.
The opposition member, Noor Alam Khan of the Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party, introduced the bills on private members’ day, allowing lawmakers to propose legislation independently of their party’s policy.
The bills come at a time when the government is at odds with the country’s judiciary following a Supreme Court ruling declaring the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed ex-PM Imran Khan eligible for reserved seats for women and religious minorities in the national and provincial legislatures.
The ruling weakened Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s fragile coalition, which could lose its two-thirds majority in parliament if the decision is implemented. Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party has already filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against the verdict favoring the PTI.
“Whether it’s a judge or a bureaucrat, no one should be a dual national,” Khan said while introducing the bill, adding if members of parliament could not have dual nationality, nobody should have it.
While private member bills rarely become laws since they require government support, particularly in case of a constitutional amendment which requires two-third majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate, Pakistan’s law minister Azam Nazir Tarar described it a “reasonable suggestion.”
The JUI-F lawmaker also objected to how the top court employed Article 184(3) of the constitution, which grants suo motu powers to judges, previously.
“This Article 184(3) has been often misused in the past,” he said, adding that numerous politicians including prime ministers had been convicted after the court invoked the legal provision and calling for an amendment to prevent its misuse.
In the bill, he suggested that a nine-member Supreme Court bench should first decide if a case warrants suo motu proceedings and also grant the right to review to the applicants.
The Pakistani law minister said the right to appeal in such cases was already granted to applicants through a previous legislation, and a five-member bench could hear public interest cases. However, he did not oppose the bill.
Khan also introduced another bill in the house seeking the repeal of contempt of court powers, saying the court had previously targeted prime ministers and their cabinet members by using the law and initiating legal proceedings.
“This constitutes a human rights violation,” he continued, emphasizing that no such law existed in the entire world.
The law minister agreed there should be no “oppressive law” that could impact the citizen’s freedom of expression. However, he suggested any amendment in this regard should be introduced in the act of parliament instead of the constitution.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly and chairman of ex-PM Khan’s PTI party, urged the speaker of the assembly not to allow the JUI-F member to introduce the bill since it was against the independence of judiciary.
“The judiciary should have powers to get its judgments implemented through force of law,” he emphasized.
Legal experts said that successive governments in Pakistan had tried to either control the courts through legislations or get the judgments in their favor by curtailing their powers.
“Our Supreme Court and high courts’ involvement in political cases have increased manifold over the years,” Justice (retired) Shaiq Usmani told Arab News. “Therefore, the lawmakers are trying to control them through legislation which is their constitutional right.”
Advocate Faisal Chaudhary said introduction of the bills regarding the superior judiciary in parliament was an attempt to “push back” the judges, adding the attempt would not succeed.
“The government along with its allies doesn’t enjoy the required two-third majority in parliament to pass these constitutional amendments,” he told Arab News. “They are just trying to intimidate the judges through different tactics to get favorable verdicts, but they won’t succeed.”
Pakistan parliament bills seek to ban judges’ dual citizenship, limit powers
https://arab.news/yfcyv
Pakistan parliament bills seek to ban judges’ dual citizenship, limit powers
- The private member bills seek to strip the judiciary of contempt of court powers, curtail suo motu authority
- Legal experts say parliament wants to control the courts amid their excessive involvement in political cases
Pakistan government to host all-parties conference on Palestine on October 7
- The conference will mark one year since Israel began its military campaign in Gaza, killing over 40,000 people
- The event comes at a time when the conflict in Gaza has spread to Lebanon and threatens to engulf the region
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration on Friday decided to hold an all-parties conference on Palestine on October 7, marking one year since the beginning of Israel’s ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, with a key coalition member welcoming the decision.
Pakistan has condemned the conflict in Gaza on various international forums, highlighting the toll of over 40,000 Palestinian lives, mostly women and children, while calling for an immediate ceasefire and accountability for Israel’s “war crimes.”
Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, has long supported the Palestinian cause, dating back to its own independence in 1947.
All-parties conferences in Pakistan have been convened in the past to address critical issues that require the country’s political leaders to rise above their differences and show national solidarity.
“I welcome the Government’s decision for the President and Prime Minister to host an all parties conference on Palestine on 7th October,” Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose Pakistan Peoples Party’s support proved vital for Sharif while forming the government, said in a social media post.
“One year since occupation forces began their ruthless massacre in Gaza the war theater has expanded to include Lebanon and threatens to engulf the entire region,” he added. “The whole country must speak with one voice against the imperialists Zionist agenda.”
According to local media reports, the decision was taken after Bhutto-Zardari met with the prime minister along with the chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, to discuss the situation in Palestine.
Rehman recently led anti-government protests after the presentation of the last budget in which the Sharif administration imposed additional taxes.
“Oct. 7 will be observed as the Palestine Solidarity Day as it is on this day last year that Israel began the latest wave of atrocities against the people of Palestine,” reported Dunya TV.
‘History has been made’: Sirbaz Khan becomes first Pakistani to summit world’s 14 tallest peaks
- The Pakistani climber has summitted 11 of the 14 highest mountains without using supplemental oxygen
- His fellow climbers praise him for his skill and say his name is etched in history and will inspire everyone
KHAPLU, Gilgit-Baltistan: Renowned Pakistani climber Sirbaz Khan made history on Friday by becoming the first Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks, with his successful ascent of Shishapangma, standing at 8,027 meters, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Alpine Club and Imagine Nepal.
The 14 peaks, often referred to as the “eight-thousanders,” are over 8,000 meters high and are considered the ultimate test in high-altitude mountaineering. Khan, who was born and raised in Hunza, embarked on this journey in 2017 with the ascent of Nanga Parbat, one of the deadliest mountains in the world.
Over the years, he has climbed formidable peaks, including K2, Everest and Annapurna, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s elite mountaineers. He also completed 11 of these summits without supplemental oxygen, demonstrating his remarkable endurance and skill.
“Sirbaz Khan has become the first Pakistani mountaineer to conquer all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 meters, in an incredible display of courage and determination,” Karrar Haidri, the general secretary for the Alpine Club of Pakistan, told Arab News in a text message. “This extraordinary accomplishment demonstrates his unwavering passion and dedication to the sport of mountaineering.”
Haidri said Khan had faced the most extreme conditions during his mountaineering career.
“Faced with freezing temperatures, treacherous avalanches, oxygen-depleted altitudes, and the constant threat of crevasses, he has repeatedly demonstrated his resilience and strength,” he added. “His success not only represents personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration to mountaineers worldwide.”
Khan’s achievement was also acknowledged by Imagine Nepal, the tour company that organized the expedition, in a social media post.
“In an extraordinary achievement, 11 climbers from Imagine Nepal reached the true summit of Mt. Shishapangma (8,027m) at 4:06 p.m. CST [Central Standard Time] on 04 October 2024,” it wrote on Facebook.
“Mr. Sirbaz Khan has earned his place in history by summiting all 14 of the highest peaks, making him the first Pakistani climber to achieve this feat,” the company added.
Speaking to Arab News, Shahbaz Khan, the Pakistani climber’s brother, said the whole family was celebrating the moment.
“We are gathered to attend the marriage ceremony of our cousin,” he said. “All of our relatives are here and celebrating Sirbaz’s achievement.”
He said everyone was praying for his safe descent from the treacherous mountain, adding the next step would be to warmly receive him upon his arrival in Pakistan.
Khan also started receiving congratulations from fellow climbers soon after the news of his success began to spread.
“I salute your monumental achievement,” Shehroz Kashif, a young climber who has already conquered 13 of the world’s tallest peaks, said in a Facebook post. “Becoming the first Pakistani to summit all 14 8,000ers is a testament to your unwavering determination, resilience, and mountaineering prowess.”
“Your name etched in history inspires a nation,” he added.
Kashif noted that he will be following in Khan’s footsteps “in a few days,” as he prepares to summit the last of the 14 peaks on his list in Tibet.
Pakistan’s prominent female mountain climber Naila Kiani also applauded the development on social media.
“First Pakistani to summit all 14 X 8,000m peaks,” she said without naming Khan. “History has been made.”
Pakistan issues dengue prevention advisory as outbreak expected in 10 cities this month
- Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana, Multan at risk
- Dengue fever is endemic to Pakistan, which experiences year-round transmission with seasonal peaks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government-run National Institute of Health (NIH) on Friday issued a dengue prevention advisory after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned at least 10 Pakistani cities could face an outbreak in October.
Over 21,000 dengue cases were reported in Pakistan last year while 8,909 cases have been reported so far this year, the NIH said.
Dengue is an illness that spreads through vectors, carried by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is currently no cure or vaccine for dengue fever, which in its most severe form can lead to fatalities. People affected by dengue go through intense flu-like symptoms including high fever, intense headache, muscle and joint pain, and nausea and vomiting, typically persisting for approximately a week.
“It is imperative to work on prevention while staying vigilant for detection of cases and ensuring preparedness to launch response activities for curtailing the transmission of dengue fever,” the NIH said, urging the strengthening of disease surveillance and awareness campaigns by authorities and personal protection by members of the public. It also called on hospitals to improve preparedness.
“Based on the analysis, the environment has become conducive from mid of September 2024 for dengue onset and it is predicted that it may outbreak in October 2024, particularly in ten major cities of Pakistan i.e., Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana and Multan as well as in post monsoon rainfall affected areas of Pakistan,” the PMD said in an advisory last week.
“It is advised to all stakeholders to take preemptive measures for the dengue outbreak in the districts. National Health agencies and Dengue control centers are advised to keep themselves updated on the PMD website.”
The PMD said dengue outbreaks occurred in the post-monsoon season, which usually falls between Sept. 20 and Dec. 5 if conditions are favorable. It added that the active period for dengue attacks was two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset, while breeding stopped once the temperature fell below 16°C.
Dengue fever is endemic to Pakistan, which experiences year-round transmission with seasonal peaks.
Indian external affairs minister to visit Pakistan for SCO summit amid strained relations
- Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visit comes at a time when Pakistan has criticized Indian elections in Kashmir
- The last high-level visit between the two countries took place in 2023 when Bilawal Bhutto went to Goa
ISLAMABAD: Indian authorities announced on Friday their External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will visit Pakistan amid frosty relations between the two countries to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit scheduled for this month.
This will be the first visit by an Indian external affairs minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade, though it is unclear whether he will meet Pakistani officials on the sidelines of the event.
Relations between India and Pakistan hit a major low in 2019 when New Delhi revoked Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Muslim-majority state of Kashmir.
Jaishankar’s visit comes at a time when India has held elections in the disputed Himalayan region, a process criticized by Pakistan as illegitimate and an attempt to normalize its control over the territory.
“The external affairs minister will lead a delegation to Pakistan to participate in the SCO summit which will be held in Islamabad on October 15 and 16,” Indian external affairs ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal announced during a news conference.
The South Asian neighbors have fought three wars, including two over control of the disputed Kashmir region in the Himalayas. New Delhi accuses Islamabad of aiding and abetting Islamist militants fighting Indian rule in the region, a charge Pakistan denies.
The last high-level visit between the two countries took place in May 2023 when Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Pakistan’s foreign minister at the time, attended the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting in India’s coastal state of Goa.
While Bhutto-Zardari did not meet any Indian leaders, he and Jaishankar used the forum to trade blame for their frosty ties.
- With input from Reuters
Pakistan calls for ‘comprehensive’ global counter-terrorism reforms
- Pakistan’s representative made the call in his statement at the sixth committee of the UN General Assembly in New York
- Usman Jadoon emphasized Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism and its key contribution in dismantling Al-Qaeda
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s acting permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Usman Jadoon regretted insufficient progress on evolving and diverse forms of terrorism and called for “comprehensive” global counter-terrorism reforms, Pakistani state media reported on Friday.
The Pakistani diplomat said this in his statement at the sixth committee of the UN General Assembly in New York, the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
Jadoon emphasized Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism and its key contribution in dismantling Al-Qaeda as well as the 80,000 casualties it suffered in the war on terror.
“He raised concerns about state-sponsored terrorism from across Pakistan’s borders, highlighting threats posed by groups like the TTP, Daesh, and the [Baloch separatist] Majeed Brigade,” the report read.
“He urged the international community to ensure that counter-terrorism measures are not misused to violate human rights and international humanitarian law as is occurring in occupied Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.”
Pakistan, which has fought militants for decades, has strengthened its protocols and agreed to enhance cooperation with multiple countries in counter-terrorism domain in recent years.
In January, Pakistan and Britain agreed to further enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism at a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani and Simon Ridley, second permanent secretary of the British Home Office, in Islamabad.
In Dec. 2023, Islamabad hosted an inaugural session of the Pakistan-UK Counter-Terrorism dialogue, according to the Pakistani Foreign Office. The Pakistani side was led by Director-General (Counter-Terrorism) Abdul Hameed, while the UK delegation was led by Chris Felton, head of Counter-Terrorism and Extremism Network (CTEN) for Asia.
The dialogue covered a wide range of areas, reflecting the depth and breadth of counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries, the Pakistani Foreign Office said.
